Ann Clark, Ltd., manufacturer and wholesaler of cookie cutters handcrafted in Vermont, has hired Richard H. Mihlrad of Wells, Vermont to be their Director of Sales and Marketing. Mihlrad will be responsible for both the wholesale and promotional products divisions for the company.

The Vermont International Business Council (VIBC), a standing committee of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, is accepting nominations for the 2003 Exporter of the Year. Given to a company that has contributed significantly to Vermont’s international trade stature, the prestigious Exporter of the Year award recognizes the hard work, performance, innovation, and vision Vermont companies display when competing in the global marketplace.

Agency of Commerce and Community Development Secretary Kevin Dorn has announced the appointment of Bruce J. Hyde, Fayston, as
Vermont's new Commissioner of Tourism and Marketing.
"Bruce brings hands-on skills to the job. He has operated the Hyde Away
Inn and Restaurant since 1987 and represented Washington-Addison District
1 in the Vermont Legislature between 1994 and 2000. In addition to his
experience in the business community, tourism industry and Vermont
government, he brings a commitment to efficiency, professionalism and

Instrument (IM) is a new, creative network of individuals and small firms dedicated to providing a full menu of marketing services while still offering the benefits of independent providers. Until now these independent, freelance providers had a tough time finding work and marketing themselves to the right channels. And many potential clients had no way of knowing what these talented individuals and small firms had to offer in terms of creative services.

What do Waitsfield and Champlain Valley Telecom, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Cabot Creamery, and Wild Apple Graphics have in common? These outstanding businesses have all received the Deane C. Davis Award for their meaningful commitment to employees, community, corporate productivity, and the environment.

Karen Kane, of Cambridge, Vermont, announced the
national launch of Paris by Design, a travel consulting service
specializing in personalized Paris itineraries. The company creates Paris
vacations for individuals, couples, families and small groups according to
specific interests, including art, architecture, gastronomy and gardening.
Kane is a former Paris resident, and her advice on where to eat, sleep,
shop and stroll in the City of Light translates to effortless travel. But

Vermonters are part of the rising tide of enthusiasm nationwide
for "529" college investment programs (named after a provision in the
Internal Revenue Service code). Enrollment in Vermont's 529 plan, the
Vermont Higher Education Investment Plan, rose to 2,378 accounts in 2002,
an increase of 74.5 percent from 2001. Investments in the plan were valued
at more than $15 million at the close of 2002, compared with $8 million a
year before. The state's college investment vehicle has proven popular
with residents because of several key features:

In a continuing effort to provide the best wireless service for local residents, Verizon Wireless, the nation's largest wireless provider, has expanded its digital network in Vermont, with a new cell site. The new site, located on an existing silo, provides improved coverage and capacity in Ferrisburg along Route 7.
The new site is part of the company's aggressive multi-billion dollar network investment each year to stay ahead of the growing demand for Verizon Wireless voice and data services, like two-way text messaging and Internet access, in New England.

Vermont Chamber of Commerce President Chris Barbieri announced that Sue Kruthers has accepted the position of Vermont Chamber Vice President of Government Relations. As the chief lobbyist for the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, she will lead the Vermont Chamber five-member lobbying team in representing the business interests of over 1,500 members statewide.
“Sue Kruthers is a natural choice for the job,” stated Vermont Chamber Chairman of the Board Carl Spangler. “She has worked vigorously and effectively on behalf of the business community for decades.”

Vermont's first digital TV channel has made its debut. Thanks to matching
funds from the state of Vermont and the federal government, Vermont Public
Television began service on Wednesday, Jan. 15, from its new digital
channel 24 on Mt. Ascutney in Windsor, which serves southeastern Vermont
and bordering areas of New Hampshire. The current analog service on
channel 41 will continue.
Eventually, digital television will be the national standard. By federal
law, all TV stations in the U.S. are required to convert to the digital

Green Mountain Power (NYSE: GMP)announced its introduction of a new monthly renewable energy service,
CoolHomesm, that will enable its customers to take action in the fight
against global warming. Voluntary charitable donations will help to build
Vermont methane generators and other renewable energy projects, which will
reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming.
"We've made it very simple for customers to do something that works every
day to fight global warming," said Stephen C. Terry, Green Mountain